It can’t be quite as good as last weekend, can it? Ten goals in two cracking games treated the neutral tuning into the National League play-offs – but do spare a thought for those emotionally involved.
It’s been an exhilarating, all-action start to the 2020-21 play-offs, and there’s undoubtedly more to come. So forget about the Euros and get hooked on the two sensational matches on offer this weekend as a place in the EFL goals up for grabs!
It all starts again on Saturday as Torquay United welcome Notts County. These two have already produced a classic this year, and more of the same is quite possibly on the menu. Then, 24 hours later, Stockport County host Hartlepool United with the second spot in next Sunday’s Promotion Final at Bristol City the winners’ reward.
Both games really are too tight to call.
We’ve done our best to untangle both National League Semi-final games ahead of what is sure to be another turbulent and electrifying couple of afternoons.
Here’s the low down on the two huge matches and LV Bet’s hot takes ahead of the games.
Torquay United v Notts County
The Gulls couldn’t quite get over the line in terms of winning the title, but manager Gary Johnson knows the play-offs are the next best thing. This weekend everyone will be asking how much can you read into their limp end to the campaign?
County, meanwhile, stormed into the top seven after a memorable May, and June didn’t start too badly for them either. Last weekend’s helter-skelter 3-2 victory over bitter rivals Chesterfield would have installed belief that Notts can go all the way.
But to do that, they will have to overcome one of the best home sides around.
Unbeaten in nine at Plainmoor with six wins, the Gulls have developed a reputation for turning up in style – despite not having much luck in front of the cameras this term.
Torquay United are 3/5 (1.60) to go through, while Ian Burchnall’s Notts County are on offer at 6/5 (2.20).
If you fancy another five goals to hit the back of the net, then don’t miss this 10/1 (11.00) chance.
County’s Kyle Wooton is 13/7 (2.85) to score at any time – with Gulls’ go-to-man Asa Hall an attractive 5/1 (6.00).
Torquay United
Form: D-D-D-D-W
Last time out: Altrincham (A) 0-0
Notts County
Form: W-L-W-W-D
Last time out: Chesterfield (H) 3-2
Previous meetings this season
Torquay United 2-2 Notts County
Notts County 0-0 Torquay United
Stockport County v Hartlepool United
This mouth-watering match up could produce an absolute classic – two sides, both sensational going forward – there’s so much to look forward to!
Stockport County are on a 19-match unbeaten run and manager Simon Rusk will be hoping there’s more to come.
Pools will take some stopping if they produce a repeat of the scintillating first 24 minutes when they pulled apart Bromley in last Sunday’s Eliminator.
The hosts are also unbeaten in their last 14 matches at Edgeley Park, winning four of their last five games home and away.
Pools, on the other hand, have won just two from six on the road, with manager Dave Challinor acknowledging that nothing but their very best will be enough this Sunday.
The head-to-head is tight – Hartlepool have six wins, while Stockport have claimed five victories from their 16 previous meetings.
Stockport County are 7/15 (1.47) to go through, with Hartlepool United priced at 13/9 (2.45).
The two teams know where the net is and at 7/9 (1.77), the both sides to score in 90 minutes bet looks a good one.
If you are backing the away side, a 2-0 victory for Hartlepool United is 16/1 (17.00).
But if you think Stockport County are going to Ashton Gate next Sunday, you may fancy the 29/4 (8.25) bet on a 2-1 scoreline.
Stockport County
Form: W-D-D-D-W
Last time out: Yeovil Town (A) 1-0
Hartlepool United
Form: W-W-L-W-L
Last time out: Bromley (H) 3-2
Previous meetings this season
Stockport County 1-1 Hartlepool United
Hartlepool United 4-0 Stockport County
LV BET
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*Odds subject to change. Odds correct at time of publishing.